Cron, healthy and showing power, makes Rockies’ roster
Manager Bud Black dropped hints early in spring training that C.J. Cron would make the Rockies’ roster if Cron were healthy.
The veteran did more than just stay healthy, he impressed in all areas of his game. Now he’s turned a minor-league contract into a spot on the bigleague roster as Colorado’s starting first baseman.
“Yesterday, when we officially made that call, we saw what we needed to see,” Black said Sunday. “We saw bat speed, we saw exit velocity, we saw him handling certain pitches that you need to handle.
“Come April 1 (the seasonopener) everything was lining up for him to be productive in our lineup this coming season.”
In 13 Cactus League Games, Cron has hit .306 (11-for-36) with two homers and four RBIs. He’s also played solid defense.
Cron, 31, is playing for his fifth different team in as many seasons. Over seven seasons, he’s hit .257/.312/.464 with 118 home runs, highlighted by a 30homer season with Tampa Bay in 2018. A knee injury cut his 2020 season short after only 52 plate appearances with Detroit.
Senza’s OK. Right-hander Antonio Senzatela, returning from a hamstring strain, made his first official Cactus League start Sunday and passed his health test. He had to chase down several bunts put down by the Royals but handled them without any pain. He said he’s confident he’ll be ready for the regular season when it opens on April 1.
“I felt a little bit nervous (fielding bunts),” said Senzatela, who had pitched three innings against the Angels in a “B Game” on Tuesday. “I needed to run a little bit but it felt good. Everything is good.”
Senzatela allowed two runs on eight hits, with no walks and two strikeouts across 3 2/3 innings pitched. His fastball peaked at 97 mph and he said he had a good feel for his changeup.
Sheffield’s control. Righthander Jordan Sheffield, acquired from the Dodgers in December’s Rule 5 draft, struggled with his control early in spring. In a March 12 game against San Francisco, he gave up four runs on two hits and four walks in one inning.
Since then, however, he’s thrown two spotless innings. Black said mechanical adjustments, initiated by pitching coach Steve Foster and bullpen coach Darryl Scott, have made a big difference.
“We’re just trying to make sure that he’s not overthrowing the baseball,” Black said. “And, mechanically, get him in a good position to give him his best chance of getting the ball in the strike zone. He’s got good stuff. The last two outings have been solid.”